WellesleyWeston Magazine

WINTER 2016-2017

Launched in 2005, WellesleyWeston Magazine is a quarterly publication tailored to Wellesley and Weston residents and edited to enrich the experience of living in two of Massachusetts' most desirable communities.

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carolyn mackin loads a
wide brush with bold-colored acrylic paint
and faces a large, rectangular canvas. Without
hesitation, she makes long, broad strokes.
Then, she chooses another vivid shade. Again,
she quickly lays down strong, seemingly ran-
dom marks, appearing fearless and purpose-
ful as she demonstrates her technique to a
group of beginning painters. The work begins
to take shape.
The blank page famously intimidates, but
so can the blank canvas. How to start? Which
colors or materials to use? When to put down
the paintbrush? Fear often can hinder the cre-
ative process, but the Wellesley abstract artist
approaches each new project with eagerness
and positivity.
"Starting a blank canvas is very freeing and
often an emotional release for me," she said.
"Since I know that most of what goes down in the first couple layers of my painting will not
be visible in the final work, I keep my gestures loose and free and just focus on getting paint
on the canvas."
For Mackin, beginning a painting offers the opportunity to try something new—an
unusual color combination, unconventional gestures or strokes, a different textural medium
or brush. "It is the time to be bold and experiment," she said. "I love that freedom and feeling
of adventure into a realm of possibility."
Carolyn Mackin at work in her
studio
studio
palette
composition
canvas
inspiration
gallery
imagination
Letting the Magic In
L I S A R O G E R S writer
artist profile